The Lessons of Zambia’s RightsCon Cancellation for International Democracy Promotion

Zambia's government canceled the RightsCon 2026 conference, which was to be hosted in sub-Saharan Africa for the first time, citing administrative and security concerns. Access Now, the host organization, suggested the cancellation was due to foreign interference, particularly from China, and demands to moderate human rights topics. The decision reflects a broader decline toward authoritarianism in Zambia, despite U.S. support for its democratic reforms under President Hakainde Hichilema.